Board of Education Meeting – February 9 2026

001[music] So, good evening. Welcome to our regular board of education meeting. It's Monday. No, yeah, Monday, February 9th, 2026. Please stand and join us in the pledge. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The mission of the White Plains Public Schools is to educate and inspire all students while nurturing their dreams so they learn continually, think critically, pursue their aspirations, and contribute to a diverse and dynamic world. Next, we will move to announcements from the board. Did you want to start? Sure. Oh, sorry. >> Um, last time I I feel like it was just the other day we were just talking about this. But last time I was here, we were

002talking about I was talking about going to see the um the songwriters club, but I actually didn't get a chance to go because I had to drop my dog off >> in Long Island. But I I went to see the the school play that's been going and it was amazing as it as it always is. I'm always blown away by our students and their performances. Um, so I was excited to go to that. I wish I could have gone more than once because that's how good it was. I um love to see the entertainment that and the skill set that our students um provide to the community. >> Um what else? >> We also did the um the the Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Slater Center. A few of us um you know

003were there to celebrate. Um, I also had the opportunity to go to the African-American Men of Westchester Martin Luther King scholarship lunchon and as usual it was packed. Um, it's always special because sometimes, you know, our kids are awarded scholarships. Um, uh, we were recognized. There was a a scholarship, you know, for student that may have special needs. And um the award was significant not because it was our student but because our our programs regarding our students that have any special needs was called out specifically um for really caring and doing what is needed for our students. One of our staff was there and I know she wouldn't want me to mention her name but she was also specifically recognized and on behalf of the board I was recognized. So when we get recognized for

004what we love to do and what we do because it's the right thing for all of our students, it was really a special um it special and just really emotional moment for me. So just wanted to um say that. Anyone else with anything quick? >> I have I have some things. I'll try to try to be brief. Um so I did attend the PTA council meeting. um with um and and this time there was a focus on on sort of unit reports and sharing um well attended. Uh I also attended the Once Upon a Mattress uh the White Plains uh high school musical and I have to say The Princess and the Pee on which uh the the play is based was my favorite fairy tale when I was a kid and it was just

005a wonderful wonderful uh performance. Um I was able to represent the board um at the Westchester Jewish Council's 50th um anniversary celebration. Um there were about 60 elected officials that were all individually introduced on the stage and um you know we've partnered with them um to sort of fight against hate and anti-semitism uh to address um you know acceptance and the importance of creating you know community uh in our school district. So that was really nice. um Westchester Putinham School Boards Association had uh what they call their money talks um series and they did a webinar on district finances. Um the LHC which is the lower Hudson Educational is it council coalition? Okay, I can never remember what the C is right. Um did a legislative forum um Dr. RCA was the moderator and we

006had a lot of elected officials. Um the LHC had its priorities and various uh schoolboard members and administrators presented each of the priorities and then um our local um elected officials spoke to each each one of them. So that was really really um well done. And um you know recently the governor came out with her executive budget proposal and the rural schools association has done a webinar as well as the New York State school boards association. They held their uh virtual capital conference uh on Friday and they had governor representative um Betty Roso was uh presenting uh the commissioner of education. Um, so there was a review of the executive budget proposal uh as well. And then finally, the last thing I want to mention is I just recently got back from um Washington DC

007um where I'm on the New York State School Boards Association. um they fund my participation in all these different conferences and workshops and I represent Westchester Putnham and Rockland and I attended both a leadership seminar in DC as well as um the National School Boards Association Advocacy Institute. Um and the leadership uh seminar brings together all the different state associations and we share sort of best practices, different policies, different practices, sharing information and ideas. I actually have several things I will be bringing back to the board and and to our various committees. Um and then the advocacy institute um is dedicated to advancing equity and uh advocating for policies that foster inclusive learning environments for our public schools. And we the institute culminates in a visit to Capitol Hill. And so um we met with

008um Senator Schumer's uh staff. We met with Congressman Latimer and Congressman Lawler. Um, and this was to really advocate for public education in particular, um, title one funding, IDA funding, CTE investment, educator workforce recruiting and retention, title 2A funding, student well-being, supportive public schools, uh, rejection of vouchers that take away uh, dollars from our public schools. And I really want to thank an for providing me with data so that I was able to um you know present information um to our elected uh officials and and to their staff as well as stories. So even though I I go as part of NISPA, I represent White Plains and I'm able to share what's going on in White Plains um and what our challenges are and how we um leverage, you know, the funding that we get.

009So that was really very worthwhile. >> Anything? Okay. So next we'll move on to our um to Dr. Becker. >> Thank you uh Madam President. And I'd like to ask you to join me in a moment of silent reflection in the memory of William Hexfeld, retired music teacher from 1987 until he retired in 2013, who worked primarily at the high school, but also worked at George Washington Highlands and Post Road Schools. Sandra Alman, middle school teacher and later transitioned to elementary education at Church Street School before retiring in 2013. and our student John Ru Yango Mor Moreno Oliva or Jimo >> who really was the light in our educational community and personify joy, courage and strength in all ways. >> Thank you. And I I think one thing I I didn't mention and thank you

010Dr. Ra for mentioning it. A few of us were also at the service um for GMO. Um it it was just a a beautiful service and indeed he was our light. Thank you. >> And if I can also add and for Mr. Efeld as well. Um and he was an institution here in White Plains. Um and you know I knew him in the high school. my kids all participated in band and orchestra and he was just such a generous um caring teacher um and really really generous with his time and with his students. [snorts] >> Thank you, Dr. Ricker. So, next we'll go on to our superintendent report. >> Thank you, Madam President. Um, as always like to welcome our exicio student board members and froza and cherish would you like to start us off?

011>> Good evening members of the board and the white plains community. It is a pleasure to share these updates on meaningful work and progress happening throughout our elementary schools as we move through the winter season. To begin, MAS has had a productive start to the new year, balancing academic goals with significant community outreach. Students honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through buddy class collaborations, and our younger grades are currently prepping for a new Lunar New Year celebration featuring storytelling and music. Our community partnerships remain a cornerstone of MA of the MAS experience. Through the support of Feeding Westchester, Kolami synagogue, and our PTA, we continue to provide essential resources and holiday support to dozens of families each week. Currently, the school is in the midst of PARP month with students working towards

012a goal of 100,000 reading minutes, an initiative that has already raised over $30,000 for PTA programming. Additionally, students are creating over 600 letters for the Valentine's for veterans initiative, which has expanded this year to include the staff and patients at White Plains Hospital. To round out the month, all grade levels are participating in an interactive research on influential African-Americans, African-American figures in STEM fields to celebrate Black History Month. Over at Ridgeway, Ridgeway recently hosted two successful Globe Bingo events where staff and families gathered for an evening of community building. The school also held its annual college and career day, inviting parents and community members to visit classrooms and discuss various professional pathways, which provided our students with a firsthand look at future career possibilities. In the arts, the Ridgeway Talent Show took place on February

013the 6th at East View, showcasing a wide range of student performances that highlighted their hard work and preparation. On the athletic front, the basketball season is officially underway. Our fourth and fifth grade teams coached by Miss McLaclin and Miss Chiphati are focusing on fundamentals and teamwork as they begin their competition against district schools. We are now looking forward to celebrating the upcoming 100th day of school. Over at Church Street, Church Street has seen an impressive student leadership and academic achievement this month. 60 students participated in the school's spelling bee. And we congratulate our fourth grade winner, Emma, who now has the opportunity to qualify for the regional competition. The school also welcomed 24 students from the White Plains High School Education Pathway Program, providing these future educators with a chance to observe and learn in

014an elementary setting. To celebrate the Lunar New Year, the PTA sponsored a visit from the New York City Chinese Cultural Center where students learned about the holiday significance through traditional dance and a lion dance performance. The student council has been particularly active leading a super bowl of caring that collected 286 cans of soup for a local pantry as well as in organizing a shoe tying clinic for first graders and writing cards for the Valentine's for veterans program. Lastly, at Post Road School, they focused on family engagement and mentorship throughout the month of January. The school hosted a family science festival supported by by a grant from the New York State PTA which offered an afternoon of hands-on experiments for students and their families. This was followed by a successful family reading night where teachers read

015aloud to students in a community setting. A notable initiative is the partnership with the White Plains Youth Bureau to bring in Grandpas United, a group of local mentors who visit bimonthly to engage with a group of our young men. The program is already off to a strong start. Finally, Post Road recently concluded its kindergarten tour season, welcoming over a 100 prospective families to showcase the facility and daily instruction that defines the school across the district. All our entry school basketball teams sponsored by Backyard Sport Cares have begun their season. We are proud of the teamwork and sportsmanship these student athletes are displaying as they represent their respective schools at such a young age. To proceed, East View Middle School continued with student engagement, academic achievement, and community pride through a variety of meaningful events and

016classroom experiences. Students participated in another successful cafeteria takeover, which is an initiative designed to elevate student voice by allowing students to help choose breakfast and lunch menu options. The event featured a popular winter wonderland theme with a double strawberry smoothie bar emerging as a notable favorite. For lunch, students had a selection of chicken drumsticks, croissants, and smiley fries. The cafeteria takeover provided a fun and memorable experience while infor reinforcing the importance of student input in school life. ACU also hosted its annual international night, a cherished tradition celebrating the school's cultural diversity. Families, students, and staff gathered for an evening filled with cultural performances, international cuisine, and community connection. Highlights included performances by the Anja Dance Company and the East View Middle School step team. Attendees also enjoyed traditional attire, shared dishes from around the world,

017and participated in international themed photo opportunities. Academic achievement was recognized during the quarter 2 honor role assembly, where our students were celebrated for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to learning. The assembly emphasized the importance of personal responsibility, and effort, creating a proud moment for students, families, and staff alike. In the classroom, ESU's ELA departments engaged students in a meaningful learning experience in honor of Black History Month and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. students viewed and discussed Dr. King's I have a dream speech, examining its historical significance and continued relevance. They reflected on current national challenges and considered how these issues impact their own lives. To culminate the unit, students wrote original poems titled I have a dream too, providing a powerful opportunity for self-expression and reflection on their hopes for a more just and inclusive

018future. At Roshambo, the school held several department specific meetings tailored to the needs of staff and students. On January 9th, the English department met in a session facilitated by English coordinary coordinator Doug Kronck, attended by the three English teachers and the Roshambo director. On January 13th, the science department convened under the facilitation of Dr. Jacob, followed later in the month by the math department meeting on January 30th, also facilitated by Dr. Jacob. These meetings supported instructional alignment and collaborative problem solving across disciplines. On January 13th, Director Moral participated in a meeting with representatives from the United Nations following an introduction facilitated by Emory Davis, the social studies coordinator. This partnership aligns closely with Roshambo's problembased learning model, which utilizes the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals as a guiding framework. Continued collaboration is planned with

019a follow-up meeting scheduled for early March. Student support and enrichment continued through lunchtime groups with Girls Inc. and Grandpas United on January 14th, providing students with opportunities for mentorship, discussion, and community building. During the week of January 20th, students participated in NWA testing, regent exams, midterms, and finals, marking an important assessment period within the academic year. On January 28th and 29th, an IDE consultant worked with faculty to explore executive functioning skills and their connection to problem based learning and instructional practices, further strengthening teaching strategies across the school. Roshambo also hosted its 10th annual wellness day on February 4th featuring a full day of programming led by community partners. Organizations included White Plains Hospital, Student Assistance, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Alcoholics Anonymous. Students participated in workshops focused on heart health,

020handsonly CPR, substance abuse education, and mental health awareness, reinforcing the school's commitment to student well-being. At Wiplains High School, the school welcomed back several W Plains High School alumni for a student panel focused on the transition from high school to college. Alumni shared candid insights about their post-secary experiences, including challenges, surprises, and advice they wish they had received as seniors. Students engaged in engaged thoughtfully during the discussion, leaving with a deeper understanding of what lies ahead. Several panelists also extended the conversation by participating in a parent session at the White Plains High School PTA meeting, offering families valuable perspectives. The theater unlimited program presented a lively production of David Ives one act plays featuring fast-paced comedy and strong performances. The cast demonstrated excellent comedic timing and energy, and the production was supported by dedicated student

021adviserss and behind-the-scenes crew. The school community celebrated Miss Sue Sweeney, a longtime math teacher, upon her retirement after 22 and a half years of service to the White Plains City School District. A graduate of White Plains High School herself, Miss Sweeney spent her career giving back to the community that shaped her. She was recognized for her dedication and lasting impact on students and families. The Special Olympics program reunited for an offseason family dinner, bringing together athletes, families, staff, and coaches for an evening of connection and celebration. Students in the incubator program presented their midyear MVP pitches showcasing innovation, creativity, and growth in entrepreneurial thinking. Following midterms, White Plains High School held a winter pep rally organized by the student government organization, celebrating the achievements and dedication of winter sports teams. The event fostered school spirit

022and highlighted teamwork and commitment across the athletic program. The performing arts department concluded the month with a successful production of Once Upon a Mattress. Despite the cold weather, the community came out in strong support to enjoy an outstanding weekend of performances by the school's talented student performers. White Plants High School athletics continue to demonstrate excellence, determination, and school pride as the winter season moves towards its conclusion. During the weekend of February 7th and February 8th, both the boys and girls teams competed in their respective sectional championships. Here, Genesis Garcia took home the school's first ever section 1 girls wrestling sectional championship. section champ. >> Individual student athletes also achieved significant accomplishments. In bowling, Jack Halstead qualified for the sectional championships, earning the opportunity to compete at the next level. In football, Isaiah Pierre was recognized

023as an honorable mention selection for section 1's prestigious Golden Dozen, highlighting his his standout performance and contributions on the field. The diving program celebrated a historic achievement as Jack Collins set a new school record in the 11th dive event on two separate occasions. His second record-breaking performance occurred during the sectional championships on February 5th hosted at White Plains High School. The event drew great praise from across the section with visiting teams expressing admiration for the school's pool facil facility and the highly competitive championship atmosphere. In wrestling, Jamal Wells reached an extraordinary milestone by earning his 100th career win, becoming only the second wrestler in school history to achieve this honor. The ski team also saw success as Kellen Doherty and Wyatt Gonzalez qualified for the sectional finals to be held at Hunter Mountain on February

02410th, representing White Plains at the sectional level. Thank [snorts] you. And that is all for this month's report. [applause] Thank you so much and really so much to be proud of uh academically, the arts, athletics, and it's only been a month since since we we saw each other last, but um thanks thanks of course to our our exeicio student board members as well. Um I do have a a couple of updates which I I wish to share first and then we'll if it's okay with uh with President Eller, board of education, we could move to public comment. Yes. and then we'll come back uh to Dr. Han for instructional budget. That way in case there's there's anybody who wishes to share public comment, um we can do that uh toward the beginning of the meeting.

025Um this morning we learned uh just about 7:35 7:45 that students at at White Plains High School were going to be participating in a uh in a demonstration, a walk out uh related to immigration policy this morning. um that you you the board of course is all aware. Um and uh I would like to share with you that typically we coordinate or work to coordinate with student organizers so that we can plan for time place venue and be able to coordinate uh a safety and or safe and secure approach to demonstration. And over the course of the history of of the White Plains City School District, our students have been very engaged um in terms of demonstrations over the years related to various topics. Um we didn't have that pre-coordination. However, uh and Mr. Harrison's

026here this this evening for another update, but he also was present and participated today. Um, our students did work very closely uh with the White Plains Department of Public Safety and the White Plains Police Department to ensure that their movement from the campus um to this the city center and the federal courthouse um was was done in a safe manner. and really very grateful to the Department of Public Safety for mobilizing so quickly to come out and support the children as they were I'm sorry, the young people as they were walking um from the high school to the point of of their destination. Safety and security is always the the paramount question with regard to student demonstrations. The school never is a uh a does not plan the demonstrations and and uh you know the

027the school does all the folks at the school do what we can to support our students as they're moving forward. We received a lot of communication and feedback. um a lot of very positive communication from parents, guardians, and community members in terms of our children's engagement with uh current events and and uh and participating in elevating their voices. Um we also we also uh received critical feedback, constructive critical feedback um with which of course is appreciated. As an example, the the parent square that was shared with parent guardian community came out after um the the students had already mobilized and moved from campus and um the the feedback was the sooner that parents and guardians can be notified the better. And I certainly agree with that. Um and uh you you know of course very

028appreciative of all the feedback that we get and I must say um very appreciative for all of the the faculty staff uh safety and security folks at the high school. Everybody who worked hard um to make sure that the the students were safe and also our students themselves for coming back. I would have liked to have seen more jackets um and hats and gloves um very cold day. Um but >> wait till they go to college, >> right? I know it doesn't end. Um but but also uh you know in terms of their behavior and the way in which that they engaged um as they move through the community. I think uh I think we we we have a lot to be proud of. Um they listened to police officers. They made sure that they

029were taking appropriate steps to stay safe as they were moving through the community. So um wanted to give you an update on that. Again the the uh the play everything wonderful. Uh we also have the mobile museum of tolerance um as at Highlands this week. Great opportunity for our students to engage with history in a very um I would say in a in a way that really immerses them in the topics by being on the bus and being able to engage with the social media um being able to have opportunities to determine fact versus fiction um in in what they may experience online. Uh on the agenda this evening, we also have tenure item 7C for our colleague TA, Miss Ashley Deandria. So uh in in advance of the board's voting, I'm h happy to

030recognize Miss Deandria. We have a number of retirements at that time of year after the February 1 um sort of demarcation line in terms of notifications. So we have a number of colleagues who are on this evening's agenda who are retiring. and we'll celebrate them as we do at the end of the year um at our retirement celebrations. Uh we also have the retirement uh notification of one Dr. Kathleen Barolus. Um Dr. Barolus of course uh and and thank you um Dr. Barolus of course an extraordinary member of our team has notified us of her intention to retire. We have the resignation of uh principal uh Highlands principal Mr. Michael Eaton on uh this evening's agenda. Then uh to help with that transition um we have acting acting principal Mr. Joseph Sparrow is going to

031be assigned. And of course you all know Mr. Sparrow's been with the district um for a period of time now and has really helped a great deal in being able to jump in and support all throughout the district depending upon administrative need. Um and so we're we're we're grateful and fortunate to have Mr. Spiro. U we also have on the agenda this evening Dr. Dr. Tammy Cosgrove who will assist in the transition as uh as we we make um or as we engage in the transition in the human resources department. Dr. Cosgrove is a longtime administrator and we're really excited to be able to welcome her and I'm look forward to to working with her. Uh we are uh going to be posting and recruiting effective tomorrow immediately uh for the permanent principal at Highlands

032Middle School. Um, I'd also like to just uh, you know, share holiday wishes. We have a number of holidays coming up. We were just joking before we have, of course, Valentine's Day, but we also have President's Day. We have, um, Lunar Lunar New Year and, uh, mid-winter recess next week as well. So, wishing everybody uh, wishing everybody the best. On this evening's agenda is the 26 27 calendar. Right on time. This is the same time we do it every year. So, actually, this is this is on time. I think last year we're a little bit late and it is different next year um in in the the holiday falls pretty much as late as it could. Um so we have that on on the agenda this evening and thanks to so many stakeholders participating in

033that process and reviewing that that calendar. Also want to thank Dr. Hand who probably read it I don't know 20 times. [laughter] Thank you Dr. Hand. I uh as I've been saying all all year long, I want to continue to encourage you if you have not already, please join the PTA. Um we're looking for 100% representation um in our PTA and the PTA continues to do amazing work in support of our students. There's an there is an artificial intelligence fireside chat coming up and uh it's going to be on February 26th and it's going to be at White Plains High School in the library media center. should be a really enjoyable opportunity to to learn more about artificial intelligence and and the nexus uh in public education today. Why do I say today? Uh because

034it's constantly evolving and constantly changing. Um and we're really looking forward to that. I want to thank the PTA council as well as the the White Plains High School PTA um for sponsoring uh that opportunity. Um, Southern Westchester Boseies, just so the board is aware, we continue to work very closely and collaboratively with Southern Westchester Boseies to identify areas where we can support our children here in the White Plane City School District. um and uh be able to to take advantage of economies of scale um and and really looking forward to to moving um conversations related to career technical education um as well as other opportunities that are going to present themselves for for us to work with Southern Westchester Boseies to support our school district and our students. Um we do will we will

035need an executive session a brief executive session following this evening's meeting but for for one personnel item but no action uh would be taken. So just an update for the the board of education. Anybody have any that that that's my portion but anybody have any questions related to any of those items? I know the board uh we just had had our HR committee meeting as well. [snorts] >> Thank you. Uh so we'll move to >> public. >> Yes. So, next we'll move on to public participation. The board will entertain comments from the public on any issue with a time limit of three minutes per person. Um, if we ask that you just respect the privacy of any individuals. If you want to discuss anything of a more private nature, Dr. Ricker, our assistant superintendent will

036be happy to meet with you. Um, please, if you have public participation, when you get stand up at the podium, please give your name and your address. Will we have any participation from the public tonight? Yes. Could you please stand? >> Uh, good evening. >> My my name is Anthony Pillah. I live at 19 Alexander Avenue. um the past vice president of the Battle Hill Association. And uh first I'd like to start off with thanking um the superintendent and the board for their work in restoring our voting location in Battle Hill. Thank you so much. Um this year is uh a celebratory year. It's America's 250th birthday and in Battle Hill, we're proud of that. Um, I just wanted to talk a little bit about engaging the school district in 250 uh, you know, c

037celebratory uh, you know, things. Um, one of them I would love to see more of. Church Street used to go to the party house. They used to bring students to the party house and they no longer do. I think the Pery House is a treasure in White Plains and we should not take it for granted. Um the more people that visit it the better. It's all of our histories. Um so please uh take that suggestion to heart and visit the Pretty House. Um we're only 250 years old our country. We're a young country. We are the grand experiment. Think about that. There's other countries and that are thousands of years old. >> Um so we have a lot lot to be very proud of. Um Battle Hill, um we would love to engage with the

038school district for um some maybe some mural projects. We have a couple of rusty utility boxes that have graffiti on them. And uh we were thinking that having them painted for White Plains 250, Battle Hill 250, America 250 would be a great way to uh for the school district to participate and our great students which do a [applause] phenomenal job. So another round of applause for them. Um so we welcome you in Battle Hill. Um, we want you to remember, uh, it's all of our shared history. Uh, we're proud of our neighborhood and we would like to again reach out and invite you to participate in our neighborhood um, in any way that uh, that you guys can. And uh, thank you very much. >> Thank you, Mr. P. And I must say thank you

039for for the generosity in in your commentary, but also thank you because you engaged with us and helped us to look for ways in which to bring a a voting back to um the area after we lost the community room. So thank you because you were really the leader in the neighborhood doing that. Really appreciate it. Absolutely. >> Thank you all for your service. Um really appreciate everyone's uh service and time. >> Thanks Bill. >> Thank you all. >> Happy birthday America. >> That's it. have a great evening. >> Um, I would like to before we call Dr. Hand up, I I do want to ask Mr. Harrison just to give us a quick update. We do have a special uh opportunity here in White Plains. We work very very closely with the Department of

040Public Safety. Jeremy really does uh heads a a great liaison um that I think helps to strengthen our our overall um approach to safety and security in our public schools. Jeremy, you want to Thank you. Absolutely. >> Evening everybody. >> Good evening. >> Thanks for having me. Um, as Dr. Rick mentioned earlier, especially we saw it come to fruition today, the close working partnership we have with our first responders and our department of public safety. We have in this district, every building has a building emergency response plan. We have a district-wide emergency response plan. Some of our board members serve on that team. So you understand the work that goes into creating those safety plans. Every building has a 130page safety plan, confidential safety plan for that building specifically. Part of it is to meet

041state audit requirements, state safety requirements, STD requirements, but we go above and beyond obviously here in White Plains. We cover everything in those safety plans from simple 911 calls to the most horrific events you can imagine because we want to be prepared for that. Part of being prepared is working closely with the White Plains Police Department, the Fire Department, DPW, all the um all the first responders that we may need help from. In that effort for the past couple of years, and we're continuing this year, and this year we're expanding a little more. Every year the um White Plains Police Department has what they call IST, inservice training. So that's normal for all police departments to have annual inservice training. That's where police officers will get reertifications and whatever qualifications they need, new trainings, new

042technologies, new laws, new ways to actively police their neighborhoods. Part of what I've been working with them on is including us in that training. So, um, with the approval of Dr. Ricka, the board, Dr. for carish. Um we've I've come up with a training program for the police department and for the next couple of months they've carved out an hour and a half block for me every week to train the White Plains Police Department in what we're doing in our schools to stay safe and how we would work together in some of these emergencies. So, I'll be teaching them what we're doing in our schools, what they can expect when they come to our schools, what we may need from them, how they can gain access to our buildings in certain emergencies, how they can

043help us in certain emergencies, and I mean from the most basic emergencies. Dr. Tessic and I have been working with the police department a lot lately with students in crisis. So, how can they help us? Not all police response, not all first responder response is criminal in nature, ends up in any type of grand event. Some of it is just help. The police department has resources, has contacts with resources that allow us to help our students. So, I'll be training them in everything from simple 911 calls, simple um students in crisis all the way up to some of the major events. But I'll be going through with them every class. So I'll be able to train everyone from the dispatchers, road police officers, all the way up to their brass so that everyone is on

044the same page in this is what we're going to be doing in our schools. This is how you gain access in an emergency. So we're not leaving anybody outside. everyone knows where to go, what to do, how we would communicate, what we'll need from you, what we can provide to you, how we can help you respond better to keep the students, the staff safe, keep our first responders safe, and to avoid any miscommunications, misunderstandings ahead of time. So, I wanted you guys to know that for the next two and a half months, I'll be there once a week teaching a class to the police department, training everyone in the police department in our building emergency protocols. Does anybody have any questions on how that's going to go or what we're doing? >> No. Good. >>

045Have you done this with other districts or >> So, we are, as far as I know, we're the only district that works in this way with the police department. We have a very close relationship with the police department and when I bring this to Alarus who you know provides some of the services that we use here in White Plains, they don't have anybody else that's doing this. >> So So you're looking at this as like a model perhaps? >> So I've done this for two years now with them building this program up and now we're going full boore with it. >> Okay. >> So we really are in the forefront. This really is a new model and I have to thank the White Plains Police Department because they reach out and say, "Hey, we're doing

046our inservice. What do you think? Can you come up with something?" So, I developed the plan, the the lesson plans, and then I follow through with it with them. And so, they invited us back again this year to really go through and um get into the nuts and bolts of everything. >> And it is replicable. It is it is an approach that could happen in other public school districts when when th those critical partnerships are forged and you have that liaison capacity. Um but you know really grateful here uh for that open dialogue, continuous open dialogue. Um and it's the entire department of public safety, all the first responders and and truly the municipal government. >> Yeah. And I I think it's one of the things Dr. Rick mentioned before. It's not just me going

047in and saying, "Hey, this is how we do it." you know, you have to get on board and follow us. I taught uh last summer to with the fire department. I come from a police background and so we have a lot of our safety protocols set up for that. When I spoke with the fire department, they said, "Hey, we could use this, this, and this information that would be helpful for us." And last summer I spent time with uh our director of facilities operations who we set up certain protocols, set up certain mapping images, labeled certain things the way that benefit the fire department. So our engagement with the first responders is not just hey this is how we do it. Take it or leave it. This is hey this is what we're doing. And

048then there's a lot of feedback at the end of the class. Do you think you guys could label it this way? Do you think we could have access here? Do you think we could share this information? and it's a lot of back and forth. So, every year we've done it, we've kind of built and built on top of it. And this year, hopefully, we'll be pushing out a complete plan. But again, as new people come and new voices are heard, we're always making adjustments. >> And being on the health and safety team, um I really appreciate the proactive approach that you and we have taken. um we are always ahead of the curve and when the state comes down and you know needs us to add something we're already there we're already doing it. So

049thank you. >> Thank you. A >> as a former member of as an ambulance service sorry as a former member of an ambulance service in upstate New York. Nothing's more frustrating than showing up at a school college office building and not knowing how to gain access to help somebody that's in distress. Um not knowing the layout of the buildings. So, if you have a um a gurnie or somebody needs help where the flat entrances are as opposed to the stair entrances. So, Jeremy, thank you very much for what you're doing. And again, to the White Plains um public safety, police department, fire department, thank you for your cooperation with us. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Thanks, Mr. Harrison. [applause] >> See you tomorrow. >> [laughter] >> So this evening um we have and of course

050the board you know the board of education has been working through the long range plan and this is the next step in that process. Um Dr. Hand and the team uh have have been working to solidify the instructional component of the budget and that's where we are this evening. Thanks Dr. Han. >> Thank you. So thank you to the trustees of the board of education and to Dr. RKA for providing me with an opportunity to present the instructional budget with you at this evening's meeting. This presentation provides an overview of how the proposed budget supports highquality teaching and learning while remaining fiscally respons responsible. In terms of strategic planning, all of our instructional priorities align to the district's strategic plan to educate, support, and partner. The strategic plan is driven by our vision and our

051mission, and our instructional goals across departments and our buildings are all in support of the strategic plan. in pre kindergarten. We currently have 21 classes of UPK students across four providers. Grant-f funded investments ensure consistent highquality early learning with a strong focus on literacy and program expansion for all eligible white plains four-year-olds. The prek on my way curriculum is standards align and in addition our classes use hegy phmic awareness and Wilson foundations which provide a strong foundation in early literacy in preparation for our kindergarten experiences where we use the same resources. So there's continuation from the prek program right through the kindergarten program. That transition is smooth for our prek students. We are in our first year of implementation with arts and letters. And as we enter year two, we want to focus on strengthening

052literacy writing and our alignment to the New York State Next Generation standards. Focusing on vertical articulation so that all teachers understand the preK through five continuum and the learning expectations at each grade level. Feedback on arts and letters has been very positive as a knowledgebuilding curriculum. The lessons integrate art, science, and social studies content and concepts with literacy instruction. I recently mentioned to Dr. Ricka that it has been very fulfilling and refreshing to receive positive emails from parents sharing everything that their children are learning in school, sharing at home, and applying to the real world because the knowledge is so meaningful for them. So that's pretty exciting for all of us. We are also continuing to send teachers to the writing revolution training for systematic and direct instruction and teaching writing and we'll be expanding

053our collection of decodable text including geodess that are contentrich so that students can build knowledge while also practicing their early literacy skills. So the decodable text are written on concepts at a very high level, but they're written at a level of readability that children can engage with them. Our dual language program uses the American Reading Company's ARC core units for the literacy for their literacy instruction. It is also a knowledge building curriculum just as arts and letters is, but it was designed specifically for use in dual language settings. We are completing our first year of full implementation which I think is actually the second year. So last year we were actually phasing in our last grade levels. This year we have full implementation K through five and we'll continue to provide professional learning support to

054our teachers using this resource. We are planning professional learning for our reading specialists to connect interventions to concepts taught in social studies, science, and ELA. And in writing at the word, the sentence, and the paragraph level, focusing on how interventions can advance and accelerate student learning. We are continuing to use the Putnham Northern Westchester Boseies integrated science social excuse me integrated social studies ELA as a resource as a resource for our social studies teaching and learning. And as we transition to the WEDA the WEDA is an assessment. It's the worldclass instructional design and assessment which is moving from the NISLAT so that we have the standardized assessment for our ENL students. We will need to support our ENL teachers in this transition and also be sure to have what we need to smoothly administer the

055assessment for the first time. We are continuing to administer the stamp assessment as a measure of Spanish language proficiency and academic vocabulary development for our English dominant students in the dual language program. And all of these supports ensure equitable access to grade level content and standards for all of our students. We will provide all new teachers and teachers new to a grade level professional learning opportunities on our envision math resource. We will again be contracting Dr. Paul Rkamini from Penn State University to work with our math specialist and classroom teachers on high impact strategies for fluency and retention and continued support of our Putinham Northern Westchester Bosey's science 21 curriculum. Now also in its first year of full implementation K through five. We have finally phased in all grade levels and professional learning again for

056new teachers and teachers new to a grade level. And the science investigations are also highlighted in preparation for the grade five New York State science assessment. And you're going to see this slide a couple of times because a lot of this is K through 12 um implementation. So continued refinement of the multi-tered system of support MTSS and universal design for learning framework UDL practices ensuring targeted support to students and inclusive instruction. Part of the work with MTSS includes looking for a digital platform or what some people call it a data dashboard if you will so that we can set all data so that we can see all data at once rather than looking at various platforms and pulling data from different systems we'll be able to gather it all together. So when we're making plans

057[clears throat] for students um we we have that at our at our hand you know we have it easily at in our hands. >> Dr. Do those exist? But >> yeah, they do. >> But is it with IEPs and NWA and they'll take >> So, I think when we're looking at one, we want to make sure that we can bring it as much as we possibly can so that we're looking at things together. And I know that um I think that Kathy and Chris and thank you for being here this evening. They actually previewed some of the resources that are available in preparation for us to present them to the committee. So I think that we were looking at educ and >> and branching minds. That's what we've looked at so far. And then um

058we are also using the NWA which we've spoken about a couple of times at meetings as our universal screener in mathematics and ELA. Again we started mathematics at the kindergarten level. For ELA we're currently starting it at the fifth grade level and our goal is to move that down to the fourth grade level. We are still administering dibbles in kindergarten through third grade. So um just so that that is you know universally administered. So we have that data that that growth and that achievement data following the children as they move up through the grade levels. And then we also administer the NWA three times a year. So there's beginning of the year data, middle of the year data and end of the year data. Our middle of the year administration is actually ending this week

059right before we we break. And another area that we will be focusing on next year is vertical collaboration of our STEM teachers and vertical coherence of the curriculum K through 12 in alignment with the computer science and digital fluency standards for middle school. This is pretty exciting. in grade six. The coordinator of ELA and social studies um for preK through six, Sarah Tucker, has been working with the with the team of grade six ELA teachers and building administrators to review available resources so that we can align an evidence-based so that we can adopt an evidence-based core curricular resource for ELA at the sixth grade level. Introduction of a new grade six ELA resource will strengthen literacy foundation foundations as our elementary students come together for sixth grade to start their transition to the secondary grade

060levels. In addition to the resource, we want to be sure to support the teachers with a robust menu of professional learning opportunities so that they are supported before implementation, during implementation, and after the year so that we can do some reflection as well for this first year of implementation. So, I did want to highlight and note that the purchase of the actual curricular resource would be about $50,000 as a one-time only expense. And then I'm planning for about $20,000 of professional learning outside of what we can provide inhouse to our teachers. Um, and that would be budget neutral. purchasing supplemental texts to enhance a literacy-rich environment for all students and supporting teachers in small groupoup instruction and conferencing with students, our instructional priorities for all middle school grade levels. We will continue to use Learning

061Ally with students in need of that level of support. Learning Ally is an online system that allows students access to text and textbooks. It actually reads aloud the textbooks for them, but the children have to meet certain criteria to be eligible to be able to use that program. And we will also be training teachers on the writing revolution to facilitate the development and refinement of expository writing at the middle school grade levels. But most importantly through this presentation, I hope that you're seeing this this connectedness between elementary school and middle school and as we move forward into high school as well. Our goal is to build strong vertical instructional coherence for our students as they move from elementary through these middle school grades. >> Deep one quick question. I don't mean to interrupt. >> No,

062it's okay. >> Can you just a little bit more about reading ally? You mentioned certain criteria that had to be met. Can you just >> The students don't the the students have to have a demonstrated learning disability that affects their ability to read text. So whether it's based on an IEP um okay you know that's written that way or it's something else that it's noticed but you have to you have to attest to the fact that the child needs this as as a support service >> right thank you >> thank you >> yeah we actually grant fund that we do that for both East View and for Highlands out of um one of our grants I believe it's title one >> and then for mathematics ICS at the middle school level. Math teachers will also

063have the opportunity to work with Dr. Paul Rikamini on his researchbased high impact strategies for fluency and retention. We will continue with a program evaluation in mathematics including a review of our current instructional resources and how they are implemented at the CA classroom level. In science, we will be reviewing New York State Science Learning Standards aligned resources and recommending a core curricular resource for adoption in grades six, seven, and eight in preparation for the grade 8 New York State science exam. There will be support for conducting the science investigations in preparation for the assessment. Professional learning opportunities focusing on standards alignment and instructional coherence will support our commitment to continuous improvement and increased student outcomes. And we will renew the licenses for social studies resource that is used that is currently used in grades six,

064seven, and eight. Finally, innovative designs for learning or what we've heard before was IDE will provide professional learning support and coaching on building initiatives and support us with the professional development needs and the professional learning needs at the building level. This slide is a continuation of the vertical alignment of courses and curriculum to the computer science and digital fluency standards K through 12. the district level MTSS refinement, the NWA administration and the exploration and adoption of a data dashboard or platform. The transition of the WEDA and the NIC to from the NISALAT is also a K through K through 12 undertaking and continuing to use the principles of universal design for learning as a framework for planning inclusive lessons that are designed to engage all learners with grade level content. So again, that continuation as

065we move forward into the high school level. >> Excuse me, Deb. When will that transition take place to the new? >> It's this year. >> Yeah, it's this year. And we're all excited about it because the WEDA standards are actually very strong standards for ENLs for so this is actually something that we've all been ant anticipating and finally the state is making a move on it. So, it's a good thing. At the high school level, professional learning for math and science teachers will focus on curriculum alignment with standards and updated New York State regions expectations. Dr. Paul Rikamini will work with the high school teachers as well on the high pack on the high impact frequency and and retention strategies. And in science, we will be supporting the implementation and monitoring and monitoring for completion

066of the science investigations required for each region's class. So the science investigations are required by New York State to actually sit for the region. So there are four investigations for each of biochemistry, physics, and earth science, earth and space science. In physical education, we will be offering a new option for freshmen. So that our three options for freshman year will include aquatics, fitness, and a new course, cooperative games. And as we continue to grow our dance program, we will be increasing to a 6ft FTE and introducing the next level of an intermediate dance course, dance 2, for the first time next year. Enhanced real world connections including guest speakers and field trips and inquirybased learning and social studies will strengthen instruction. Craig Alquist a consultant contracted through Boseies will support teachers in enhancing the use

067of primary and secondary sources and we will continue to use the Harrow investment simulator for all economics classes. So that's something we piloted a few years ago and we're moving forward and continuing that. We want to continue to design pathways for all students to earn the seal of civic readiness and the seal of biiteracy upon graduation. Vector pathways, a new online tool will help to monitor student progress toward the seal of civic readiness. Leveraging AI as a tool to enhance teaching and learning as well as learning about AI literacy will be embedded across disciplines. And we are continuing to collaborate with Southern Westchester Boseies as a partner in designing proposed CTE programs for our students to be housed in the new innovation wing that that is every day making great progress. As you drive down

068North Street, it's like every single time you pass by, there's something else going on. So, it's pretty exciting. >> Dr. And with the AI, we we block the kids from accessing like Gemini Claude and like chat, right? Or Wi-Fi, but we have like different >> We use school AI. So we're we're using school AI, which is a very structured school-based use of AI. I mean, obviously, we can't ban their use at home. Their children have access to to these, but on campus, we we have it limited to what we have. But faculty members can access. >> Yeah. >> But the students >> students know. Yeah. And this slide again is a continuation of the vertical alignment of courses and curriculum to the computer science and digital fluency standards to include the computer science and engineering

069teachers and courses at the high school level. The district level MTSS refinement uh refinement the NWA administration and the exploration and adoption of the data dashboard again goes up through the high school level. The transition from the WEDA is also at the high school level from that NISLAT exam that we were giving and the IDEA and the IDE support of for the the ID support for the advancement of problem solving learning problem based learning sorry and executive functioning and that's used at Ro Shambo as well. So now we're up to the new courses. So the new courses are the dance course, a world history super course through Syracuse University, which we are in the planning stages for. We were hoping to be able to implement it this year, but Syracuse University actually wants us to

070hold off until next year until they refine the course. Then we also have AP business and personal with personal finance, AP cyber security and cooperative games. So just very very briefly, dance 2. Dance 2 is going to be a fullear course. It's going to build on the skills learned in the introduction to dance course. This intermediate level course will include two performances. One will be in the fall winter and the other will be in the spring. It will be offered to all students in grades 9 through 12 as long as they either have taken the intro to dance course or they have had private lessons so that they can enter this intermediate course. And it's an increase of a 0.2 2 FTE supported through reallocation of existing funding. The next one is the world history

071superc course which I said that we are in the planning stages for implementation in 2027 2028. It will be a dual enrollment option that expands rigorous pathways and plannings for the future implementation. This course will allow students to earn high school credit along with credit from Syracuse University. We will spend this next year planning out the course content and sending the teacher for training through Syracuse University. They have to be approved to teach this course. In 2027 2028, sophomores will have three options for social studies. In the 10th grade level, they will have regions global history, AP World History Modern, and the super dual dual enrollment course, the world history course that we're that we're planning this year. So the course doesn't exist yet for the course yet it currently >> not yet. That's why

072that's why Syracuse is asking us to plan it and wait until the following year for implementation. And then the AP business with personal finance class is a one credit fullear advanced placement course which is projectbased and builds real world financial and entrepreneurial skills. It'll be offered to all students in grades 11 and 12 and through the existing budget. The exciting part about this course and the following course are that they are newer AP courses and they follow a kickstart option that that the College Board has now with the AP courses that you can actually become credentialed depending on what you've earned on the exam and if you've completed other requirements. So the the AP business with personal finance actually is credentialed through the final project that you need to do for the course as well

073as the the the exam. I think you have to score a three or better on the exam to to have that credentialed. >> Can I also add that I have heard the college board this summer um at at a conference and they were introducing these new courses that are a CTE pathway. Yeah, >> very high level CTE. So getting into >> they're like micro credentials that you would get at the completion of the course. >> Very exciting money as well. >> Deb, when you say credential, does that mean they get like a certificate or something at the end? >> They get a certificate, you know, depending on which course they're going with. There's there's a few different things that you can get >> which is really valuable for employment. um you know I've taught some

074young people who have career ready right the that kind of certification >> to become employed in certain fields >> right >> it also encourages children to take the AP exam too so it's kind of like >> so AP cyber security advanced placement cyber security will be a fullear elective option for students topics covered will include threat identification vulnerability analysis risk mitigation Cryptography and network defense sounds really exciting to me. Offered to students in grade 11 and 12, it's highly recommended that students successfully complete AP computer science principles as a measure of readiness in terms of problem solving and having a a foundation in information networks and security protocols. So if you're going in without that, it would be difficult. And I'm not reading the slides, but there is something about interest level two here. And

075I think that you have to really have the interest to go into this of what you're going to be learning about. Everybody thinks that they know what it's about, but it's probably a little bit more intense than than most would would believe. So, a STEM course preparing students for in demand careers. There's a certification credential available as part of a successful course course completion through an exam. And this one is I think I believe that this one is um endorsed also. It's employer endorsed. So you have to make that connection like as an internship. And then um the final course is the cooperative games course in physical education. And the physical education course that focuses on building skills of teamwork, problem solving and collaboration while promoting social emotional growth offered to students in grade nine.

076This course will be one of the three options for freshmen. As I noted before, the aquatics, the fitness, and cooperative games. Eighth graders will be able to select rank order their choices one to three. And the high school will work their best to get students into their top one, top two. Will some children get their third choice? Yes, they will because that's how it works when you rank things. Top one, two, and three. But we really are trying to open up the possibilities of children taking other courses in ninth grade. Um we were at a point where we were offering aquatics and everybody was just going into aquatics. I know that we had some feedback saying that the community wanted it more, the students wanted it more. So we're making some some changes and being

077flexible and responsive. And then for special education, we are expanding the continuum of services to meet the needs of our middle school and high school students. We will be adding an 8 to1 to2 class at Highlands and an 8 to1 to2 class at White Plains High School. And those classes are for our students in need of intensive supports. The personnel needs for the two classes include two 2.0 0 FTE for special education teachers and for teaching assistants and that will happen through reallocation and reassignment of existing staff. So that is also budget neutral. And then I added this because everything I I just wanted to tie everything together. And when I'm thinking of our mission and our vision and our strategic plan and then everything that it takes to get our children from prek all

078the way through 12th grade to graduation and then we're looking at the New York State portrait of a graduate which we've adopted. And you think that we want our children to be academically prepared. We want them to be creative innovators. We want them to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, global citizens, and reflective and future focused. That's my benchmark for reflecting everything that we do. Like everything that we do has to come together with a level of coherence and bring our children where we want them to be as graduates. So, thanks for listening to me. If you have any other questions, I'm happy to answer them. [applause] It's a lot. It's a lot. I tried not to read the slides, but then I wrote everything out, so I don't know if that really makes a difference,

079but it did to me. I do offer >> Well, you know, I appreciated the budget neutral. Um, so so much of this is budget neutral, yet it is so rich. Um, it it's expansive and it's indepth as well. Um, and I really appreciate again the approach that we've taken here. Um we are constantly re refining what we're doing looking for opportunities for our students to ensure that they are future ready um and you know portrait of a graduate and our strategic plan and that we are in alignment and really moving forward and you know again this instructional budget which um it it it's not extravagant um as I Mo most of it is budget neutral but yet it provides so many opportunities for our kids. So >> it's budget neutral but the important part is

080that we're constantly evolving. So we're not doing the same things. We're we're using the funding. We're reallocating. We're making sure that we can move forward. If we've already implemented things then we can provide the professional learning on it or we can move forward in a different area. But you're all but I'm trying to do that all within or the team is trying to do that all within the budget >> and we're always looking at what we're doing. You know, we we we don't just rest on it. We're always looking forward. >> So, yeah. So, you okay now? You're >> so Deb really just just to thank you. It's it's very thoughtful and and and the measure I really have with all this is like I wish that when I was in school >> that this

081this was an offering I'm excited >> so that when I speak to other people about what we're doing um there's there's they're like you're excited have you taken the course or do you want and the answer is yes and if we make it exciting for ourselves our students will be excited um because we're enthusiastic about what we're doing and that we believe in what we're doing. So, I just wanted to say just on behalf of all of us really, you know, thank you for being so thoughtful, so insightful, um and just researching every way to help all of our kids move forward. Thank you. >> Thank you. And it doesn't stop because today we were talking about Project Lead the Way gateway units at the sixth grade level and seventh and eighth grade level. I

082was like, "Oh, that didn't make it to the slide deck." But >> thinking ahead, >> always trying to do something. just register for the course. >> Yeah, sure. I just >> portrait of a graduate. This is something that we're working toward, right? And that the state is working toward, but it's not something that that is >> in place today. Like what? Because I know that >> the portrait of a graduate is I think that the blue ribbon commission recommendations for graduation for, you know, >> pathway graduations. They're still working on that. So, we have our eyes and ears open for more information. I mean, they have made some changes, but this is this has been adopted. So, we are working off of this and making sure that, you know, we're rolling it out to our

083to our building level administrators, to our teachers. You know, we've all gone to training on how we can infuse the portrait of a graduate into all of our curriculum and instruction across, you know, the K through2 environment. I know Kathy's been really involved in this and very excited about it, too. I went to a professional development at Boseies with one of our building principles from the elementary level that focused specifically on elementary school so that we could bring it back to the elementary team. >> So it's preparing us >> is preparing us for moving forward. >> Thank you >> Dr. Hank. I was smiling pretty much throughout the entire presentation. Um, it is wonderful to continue to see every year refinement, adjustments, and new opportunities that are brought to our students that truly do reflect

084contemporary need >> as well as what they're going to be interested in. I have to say also um, thank you to Dr. Barolus, Mr. Damatia, everybody on the team, the board's curriculum and instruction committee. A ton of work, as you all know, goes into getting us to where we are this evening. But it's truly, and I I don't want to put words in Dr. Han's mouth that could be dangerous, but a labor of love because I know how much Debbie Hand loves thinking about strategically thinking about how we can continue to offer a cutting edge, exciting academic program for for our students. Um, and every year attend to the needs that that pop up. and and you've done it again. Um this is a primarily budgetneutral truly expansion of offerings and opportunities. So So Dr.

085Han, thank you very much. >> Thank you. And I also have to thank all of our amazing directors and coordinators who who do all the curriculum instruction work behind everything that's written on each one of those slides. >> So it's a great team. [applause] Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. So now we will move on to um our agenda and next we will go to we have we have um we have um our action items. We have action items four through eight. May I have a motion? Second. >> Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to draw your attention uh to item 4B, page three. We have generous donations um that the board will be considering for acceptance this evening. 100 copies of the book Verticus for fifth graders from Nancy Levy. Um a $10,000

086donation to the Glenn Creative Writing Scholarship for Mrs. Ernestine Glenn. $600 donation for the sale special Olympics from Miss Namia Smith Monroe. The following donations were made for the Philip Barnett Memorial Scholarship Fund. $18 from Mrs. Ricky Sultan. $50 from Mr. and Mrs. Howard Anglier. $50 from Mrs. Nancy Displant. $50 from Mr. and Mrs. Richard Crystal. $100 from Mr. and Mrs. Noel Cooperberg. $100 for Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bud. $120 from Miss Antonia Martinez LLC. A $5,832 donation to athletics to cover expenses for the bus to Springfield, Massachusetts for the White Plains boys basketball team. The White Plains High School students won an award in the amount of $2,500 for the incubator edu course from the business council of Westchester. We're always grateful for the business council's support for our innovation opportunities. The friends of

087White Plains Public Schools have approved the following grants of $1,20 for the science trip to Cranberry Lake for all Church Street fifth graders. $2,000 for a year-end trip to Chelsea Piers in Stanford for all Church Street fifth graders and $500 for a trip by fourth grade to a language students to Post Road uh to Post Road to the Wolf Conservation Center. >> [snorts] >> A the White Plains High School PTA grant committee has approved the following grant, $1,000 for the 37 AVID students to see The Great Gatsby on Broadway. Thank you so much for all of those generous donations. >> Thank you. All in favor? >> I sorry. I you know, the only the only thing I can possibly add to that, you know, when I go through these donations, I see people that continually

088give. We have the best friends. I always say that when I come in for their meetings. We have the best friends in in White Plains, but they're also such uh generous individuals and I'm I'm now recognizing the names and wow, I know, you know, I know these people. So, we're just very fortunate and just wanted to say thank you. Um, next we're going to go into our individual action items. We have um uh individual action items A through K. Individual action item A is the the recommended um action is the appointment and authorization of the board president to execute employment agreement the employment agreement of Tammy Cosgrove um Dr. Tammy Cosgrove as interim assistant superintendent of human resources. May I have a motion? So >> move second. >> Any questions? All in favor? Hi. Uh,

089summary action item B um is the recommended um action is the approval of a separation agreement as um noted in our backup. May I have a motion? >> So moved. Second >> questions. All in favor? >> I. Next we have um the item um to recommend Cheryl Brady be nominated as a board member for the board of cooperative education services sole supervisory district of Westchester County Boseies um for a three-year term beginning July 1st 2026. May I have a motion? >> So move second. >> Any questions? All in favor? All right. Um, next we have next um, next we have our board policies. Um, they are listed for a first reading. This first reading is when we go through them and see if we have um any additions or suggestions. And I'm quite sure these

090have already been scrutinized. They are probably and they are grammatically correct. >> Yes, they are. Thank [laughter] you to the policy committee. Thank you, policy committee accounted for. [laughter] >> Next we and we don't we don't vote on that. That's just the first reading. So next we have um uh item E. Um the the the board of education approves and authorizes the board president and superintendent of schools to execute a certain stipulation of settlement in connection with an impartial hearing. Case number 627173, a copy of which uh stipulation has already been reviewed by the board. May I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. >> Questions? All in favor? Next we go to individual action item F. The recommended approval of the request of an extension as per CSEA contract of the paid period

091of absence beyond 30 working days due to an accident in the line of duty for the for the following employees listed by number and our backup material. May I have a motion? >> So move second. >> Questions? All in favor? Next we go to individual action item G. The recommended approval of the resignation for the purpose of retirement [laughter] of Katherine Barololis, direct director of elementary teaching, learning and assessment um preK through 6 effective close of business June 30th, 2026. May I have a motion? So >> move second. >> Any questions? >> Yeah. We say no. No. >> Yeah. What if we don't what if we don't? Yeah. [laughter] >> Can I just make a statement? I just want to say I think Kathy, you or Dr. Ful, you started your tenure 10 or 11

092years ago when I first got on the board. Um, and you've just always been so thoughtful in your implementation of programs. like you think about the kids in the classroom and if it's the best material for them, but how are you going to introduce that material to the teachers? >> Um, you ran one of the most impressive math conferences last spring that I've ever seen. Um, NASA was here down at the Highlands at Middle School. So, I just thank you so much for everything you've done for >> I think that sums it up for all of us. Kane, thank you. >> And can I your enthusiasm also? >> So, with reluctance, all in favor? HI. [laughter] [applause] >> Thank you, Cassie. >> Thank you. Next, we have individual action item H. The recommended approval of

093the increase in the current rate of pay for athletic event staff effective March 1st, 2026 as per the attached schedule rates. May I have a motion? >> So move. >> Second. Um I I don't have a question but um I know you've discussed this um >> and yeah and >> thank you for considering this. >> Yes. And this is really for the safety and just really getting people to come out and supervise our our students um at our games and you know we see and know these days these these are very important um jobs. So this um I'm sure will just you know attract you know people to want to do these jobs. Um, >> and these are, you know, fair market rate for the the county, right? Because some of the increases, right? >>

094Yeah, we did. We we looked in, you know, at comparables, if you will, in in uh >> in the region. Um, >> yeah. >> Okay. So, all in favor? >> I. Next, we go to individual action item I, the recommended approval of the resignation of Michael Eaton, Middle School principal, effective at the close of business on March 23rd, 2026. May I have a motion? >> Second. >> Any questions? All in favor? >> I. Next, we go to individual action item J. the recommended approval of the appointment of Joseph Spiro as acting principal at Highlands Middle School effective February 10th, 2026 through March 23rd, 2026 at a perdeium rate. This position does not receive any other additional employee benefits such as medical, dental, vision, sick, personal, or vacation time. May I have a motion? >> So

095moved. >> Second. >> Any questions? I know Joe you spoke about this earlier so we are >> well >> yes ma'am reverse all in favor >> I >> we'll add one um if I can sure >> just so just again um now with the board's formal approval um a uh community update will be shared as per our practice with the highlands community tomorrow morning um so that everybody's aware and and also opportunities to connect with Mr. Sparrow and the team uh forthcoming thank you >> thank you Dr. Ricker, we have our last uh individual action item uh uh letter K, the recommended action to appoint um appoint an officer for the extra uh classroom activities fund at the middle school for 25 for 2025 through 2026. [laughter] >> May I have a motion? >> So

096second move and second. [laughter] I'll take it. >> All in favor? >> I >> uh and just for further detail, you know, uh Joseph Spiro will be appointed as the chief faculty counselor for extracurricular curriculum extra classroom activities fund at the middle schools for the year. >> You can sign the check. >> Yes. Yes. Um so next we'll go um to board committee reports. Um as usual we had our human resources uh meeting and as as we know uh discussion of what happens in those exec sessions are not uh uh disclosed publicly. Um I was very happy to go to the wellness committee um meeting and it is um a very dynamic inclusive um committee considering all aspects of wellness. Um, I do like and appreciate that our students are involved, um, you know, in

097what they're eating, um, and overall wellness. What does that mean and how do we implement it? So, I like that for me. It's just another thing I want to take at the high school. So, I'm just never going to leave until I take all these. [laughter] >> Um, so I can say that. Um, anyone else want to report out >> curriculum instruction that I can take you back through >> [laughter] >> Start on slide four. >> Yeah. Slide four. >> Yeah. >> Um but I do want to say just to your food services, we at HR we had uh food services provide some delicious food. It was like a quinoa salad with sliced apple and kale. Sorry. Yeah. And uh it's just it's great to try the food that the kids are, you know, eating

098every day and enjoying. So thank you. >> And healthy stuff. >> Exactly. >> That was especially healthy. >> It was very good. Yeah. >> I'll stop. [laughter] >> She actually did. >> Yeah. >> Policy. uh committee um policies were on the agenda. They had to do with um authorized uh signitories um purchasing uh and contracting of uh professional services uh facility use. Um and the health and safety team met also. We meet quarterly. Um so Vercata our security camera system um uh we are underway in expanding coverage at the high school and at Roshambo. Um we are expanding security coverage and security infrastructure here in Ed House. Um and being thoughtful in how we limit access to certain areas of the building again for safety, adding security cameras. Um what else? Uh we're looking at

099our campus and ensuring that emergency vehicles have enough access to all parts of our campus where they need to be. Um, our maintenance crew um has been um they we met with the with with the maintenance crew to sort of get their input onto you know their their um knowledge base based on what they see in terms of safety and security because they're so familiar with you know our buildings inside and outside. um uh Disha's law which is uh requires implementation of comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans. So um Jeremy Harrison who was here earlier um presented he's actually developed um a an alteras a video um which provides general training for our students. they will not be using AEDs, but when they see somebody in distress, there's basically a short training video so they know

100who to get, what to do. Um, again, they're not actually doing the defibrillation. Um, and next year that's going to go down to grades K through five as well. Also, they're working on a video for for our younger kids, and it's all based on what the state education department requires from us. Um, and nurse Maggie also reported in terms of AEDs that everybody uh all the adults in our buildings will know where those AEDs are and how to use them if, god forbid, there is an emergency. Um, AED training is being added to the EpiPen training. Um she reported that for vaccinations we are 99.3% compliant um and we do follow the New York state uh requirements for vaccinations uh for our kids and the high school edition is uh growing by by leaps and

101bounds and uh there's going to be summer work uh in in Roshambo as well and uh it's being done in phases is so as to disrupt uh our students as little uh as possible. >> Any other special? >> Um yeah, just to report very quickly on um special ed committee. Uh continuing to uh work towards deliverables in response to our recent audit. Um very exciting collaboration um with the teachers um learning best practices um how to bring um special ed how to bring our special ed kids together um so that everyone is getting exactly what they need. Special ed's not a place right so uh really exciting stuff happening. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. One last thing, just wanted to share that um with the board tomorrow. I have I'm going to have

102the opportunity, really looking forward to it, to do another feedback session with our students this time at White Plains High School. So, I'm sure I'll get some >> actionable uh feedback that we'll be able to to uh impact and and support. Um, and also just in case I I mean, first thing I want to say is thank you, huge thank you to the physical plant staff, the the the facility staff navigating through winter weather. It's a ton of snow to move. Um, the city did an amazing job and thanks for everybody's patience as we made those those shifts and moved that. So, we're still moving snow, but a big thank you to the team. Um, I also, just in case, you know, I know you all knew we had a lot of wind uh over

103the last couple of days and some of our um some of our signage uh on the on the poles at some of our schools uh you know came down. We're going to we're going to fix all of that. We're going to repair them all. We just needed to wait till the wind died down before we put somebody up in a cherry picker to go up there. So, um if you saw today or you know if you notice it, please know that that's on forthcoming and we're going to correct all that. >> When I was in Washington DC, those kids were >> because of the snow down there, right? It was 9 in what we have 14 or 15 inches. It was amazing. >> Oh, go ahead. >> Oh, I just wanted to say um thank

104you to the PTA co-presidents, Donna Keane and Kate Scorza Ingram. They always have a very engaging meeting that involves all the parents, that invites suggestion, that invites feedback, and Dr. Rick is always there to answer questions as well. And everybody's open and honest. And I just wanted to um thank them for giving us the opportunity parents to who attend those PTA council meetings and some of our board members as well to participate in that because I think it's a really important thing for us to continue to build a relationship with the parents and the teachers who might who are also part of that um council as well. So just wanted to say thank you to them both. >> Any anything else? We're good. >> John Shepard and John Mavage give a wave. We thank you.

105[applause] I I always have to say this is this is a very inclusive practice to live stream and it makes sure that you know our community has options and and can be here virtually. So we appreciate your commitment. And with that, may I have a motion to adjourn into exec session to discuss um p one personnel matter um where there will be no >> actions. May I have a motion? >> So move second. >> All in favor? >> I thank you. [music] >> [music]